**Insights from Nine Months in London: A Student Living Guide**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I set out on my adventure to London, and though it may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has offered ample opportunity to gain insight into life in this vibrant metropolis. London is celebrated not just for its variety of housing options but also for its lively and diverse communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of living arrangements, encompassing student residences to private rentals, with choices of ensuite and shared bathrooms, private bedrooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can depend on services such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible living arrangements online. These services offer information on amenities, access to public transport, and other crucial features, thereby streamlining the search process for newcomers from abroad.
### Locating the Ideal Residence
When I started my search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London so I could remain close to the city’s key attractions, social scenes, and, above all, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a superb transport network—consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating travel across zones.
However, traveling between zones can be costly, reaching up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that Oyster cards significantly cut down travel expenses. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, linking outer zones to the city core. Fares for these services vary based on distance and the fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers certain advantages but comes with elevated living costs. To control expenses, I opted to share a room with a university friend. This setup allowed us to save considerably on rent. I also decided to live in intercollegiate student housing, as it provided an opportunity to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and of similar ages—something private rentals might not facilitate as easily.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living close to grocery stores was essential. Among the most common supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also readily available. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, turned out to be invaluable, especially during exam periods when every minute counts.
### Discovering London’s Communities
Selecting the right area in London can be a challenging endeavor, considering the city’s expanse and diversity. London’s ethnic communities represent a fundamental aspect of its cultural vibrancy, presenting unique neighborhoods that cater to varying tastes and preferences.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the vibrant West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods offer a sense of community and familiarity for international students looking to connect with their cultural backgrounds.
### Concluding Remarks
Ultimately, the best area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual interests and requirements. Whether you value closeness to your university, budget considerations, or cultural resonance, London presents a broad spectrum of options to meet all preferences.
As you embark on the search for your new abode in this extraordinary city, embrace the diversity of its housing alternatives, delve into its cultural communities, and relish the convenience and excitement that London has in store.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*